New Dublin singer Jamie Dalton has released his new single, This Town, and plays Whelan's of Dublin tonight (5 October). We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Speaking about the song, Jamie says, "it is an honest reflection of my relationship with Ireland: the highs, the lows, and the courage it takes to face what you’ve been dodging.
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"It’s about how alcohol, and our culture surrounding it, can mask the real issues, which are often inside us.
"Watching mates leave for better opportunities kills me every time. It’s tough seeing people walk away from the place you grew up, but maybe we’re all a bit stuck, blaming everyone else when, really, it’s about taking a hard look at ourselves.
"The chorus is my way of trying to make sense of the cycle of bad choices: the drinking, feeling stuck, and owning all that. It’s a tough one, but it’s honest."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I’m a 21-year-old songwriter from Donaghmede, Dublin. Growing up, songwriting has always been an outlet for me, a place where I can be honest with myself and cope with what I see and take in from everyday life.
I love my football, Bohemians in particular. I’ve been a member for eight years now, and it gives me a lot of joy. Some weeks, work gets in the way of seeing my dad or brothers, but every Friday in Dalymount, without fail, I see them.
How would you describe your music?
I would describe my music as upbeat and heartfelt. At times it’s fast-paced folk, and at others it’s an emotional ballad.
I’ve always loved artists with that kind of contrast, and I think my music reflects the same. Looking at the songs I’ve written, they capture every emotion a young person in Ireland might feel right now. Joy, anger, heartbreak, longing for something better.
My songs are very personal and reflect my own experiences in life, but I believe there’s something in them for everyone.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Sam Fender, Noah Kahan and Damien Dempsey. A big one is Damo, as he’s a lad just like me from Donaghmede, with his guitar and his songs. It gives me a lot of drive to see someone from my area be so successful. So when it came to working with his producer John Reynolds on my songs, it was a surreal experience for me. I knew I was in the room with someone who had worked with the likes of Sinéad O’Connor, Massive Attack and Björk. It was amazing to see the impact he had on the songs I brought to him.
With my single This Town, I originally wrote it as a bit of a melancholy ballad. John then helped me bring real energy into the track. Listening back to the original version, I can’t believe how far it has come. I owe that all to John.
Like a lot of people, Oasis and Noel Gallagher’s style of songwriting gave me the push I needed at the start of my own writing. I’ll never forget my dad sitting me down and putting on Definitely Maybe for the first time. My whole world opened up.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Depeche Mode in the 3Arena. I was 14 when my dad took me to see them. It was unbelievable, and I’ve loved them ever since. Seeing Dave Gahan as frontman, strutting around the stage and holding the crowd in the palm of his hand, I knew then and there it was something I would love to do.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Arctic Monkeys’ Whatever People Say I Am, I Am Not. Love that album
What’s your favourite song right now?
Hey Ma by Aaron Rowe. He’s another Dublin lad with his guitar who is really taking off, and it’s brilliant to see. While I was living and playing music in New York this summer, every time I listened to that song my heart would break. It’s class.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"And in the end, the love you take. Is equal to the love you make" - The Beatles.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Probably a song from Sam Fender called The Dying Light. It is one of those songs that has everything in it.
Where can people find your music/more information?
My Instagram @jamiedaltonmusic and my TikTok @jamiedalton.music.
Alan Corr
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please see RTÉ’s list of helplines.
